Month: November 2015

Snuffle mats are a great indoor activity for dogs (and cats!). They are easy to make and you can easily create one for your dog!

Here is how:

Purchase an outdoor rubber mat with holes in it (easily available at Canadian Tire ).

Purchase several meters of fleece (it’s surprising how much fleece is needed).

Cut the fleece into strips about 2 centimeters wide by 25 centimeters long.

Working from the underside of the mat, thread a piece of fleece through one of the holes and the other end through the hole next to it. On the topside of the mat, tie a knot between the two ends of the fleece. To make a thicker pile, repeat in another direction to make an “X” on the underside and knot those also. Repeat with the fleece pieces until every hole is filled and you have created a pile on the top of the mat.

You can also make three different lengths of pile to vary things for your dog.

Once complete, spread treats across the top and, as the dog gets the hang of the game, make it more difficult by hiding treats amongst the fleece pile.

Regularly I see dogs being transported loose in vehicles or in the backs of pick up trucks. Not only is this dangerous for dogs and drivers, but it is also against the law in our province.

Always use either a seatbelt harness or a secure crate when travelling with a dog. This keeps everyone safe from being distracted while driving and secures your pet in the event of an accident.

Inside your vehicle unrestrained or uncontained dogs are a hazard to themselves and to others. According to the BCSPCA website, a 50-pound pet, when traveling at speeds of 50 km/h, has the weight of approximately one ton.

In the event of a sudden stop, the dog can be seriously injured or seriously injure someone.

Train your dog to remain in the vehicle until given the cue word to exit (even once their seatbelt harness is undone). If you use a crate, attach an information sheet about your pet (address, vet information, contact for friend or family. List care information for your dog too like vaccinations, food also).

Don’t ever transport your dog in the bed of a truck without using a secured crate. I prefer the hard sided airline crates. In BC, Section 72 of the Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the transport of an unsecured pet in the back of a pick-up truck. Even restrained in the back of a truck with a leash, dogs can be hanged. They are also exposed to the elements risking hypothermia, heatstroke, eye and ear injury and they have no protection in case of an accident.

If you are injured, emergency personnel may be prevented from assisting you in a timely manner if the loose dog is now guarding you and your vehicle. A frightened dog may bolt from the scene.